God: "I looked for someone to take a stand for me, and stand in the gap" (Ezekiel 22:30)
Christ is calling His followers not to the mere theoretical opposition of injustice, but rather to the real and practical (and often painful) ministry of meeting physical needs in a dying world. The gospel life is not merely about right thinking, it is far more about right… What good is it if you say you're opposed to abortion, and yet you are not doing anything to actually help those who are dying?
Moreover, the topic of election is nearly always introduced for a practical purpose, in order to foster assurance (not presumption), holiness (not moral apathy). humility (not pride) and witness (not lazy selfishness)... Similarly in 1 Thessalonians 1:4 Paul unites the love of God and the election of God. That is, He chose us because He loves us, and He love us because He loves us. He does not love us because we are lovable, but only because He is love. And with that mystery we must be content.
